In simpler terms, Captain America, known as Steve Rogers, is renowned for embodying the best of human qualities, not just physically but morally. His unwavering honesty and selfless bravery are as famous as his shield. However, in Chip Zdarsky’s Captain America #2, a surprising truth emerges about what truly makes Captain America a hero, and conversely, what could be considered his greatest weakness in a world that often values strength over kindness. This issue cleverly compares Steve Rogers with his 2025 counterpart, David Colton, suggesting that the virtuous heart and pure spirit Dr. Abraham Erskine aimed to create in his Super-Soldier are both Captain America’s greatest asset and, ironically, his most exposed vulnerability in a jaded world.
The comic doesn’t merely convey that Erskine was correct; instead, it demonstrates this by illustrating the striking contrasts between the two men who wield the shield.
A Pure Heart Cannot Be Manufactured, Only Chosen
The contrast between Steve Rogers and David Colton is strikingly clear, even before their contrasting viewpoints fully emerge. Colton represents a contemporary military mindset that is characterized by arrogance, premature claims of victory, and a shallow interpretation of ‘freedom.’ His eagerness to engage in conflict, his triumphant attitude towards military achievements in Kabul and Kandahar, and his dismissive stance towards Qasim, an Afghan who has endured decades of war, suggest a leader more focused on short-term success than deeper comprehension. During a skirmish with Qasim’s assailant, Colton exclaims, “Dammit, how can you not love this?” which hints at a bloodthirsty nature and lack of nuanced understanding, making him an unsteady and questionable heir to Captain America’s legacy. He is undoubtedly a soldier, but one whose judgment is clouded by excessive optimism and a craving for decisive, tangible victories.
Steve, conversely, exhibits an entirely different character compared to Colton’s impulsiveness. Regardless of whether it’s the heat of battle or what seems like a triumph, Steve maintains composure, calmness, and rationality. He never lets his guard down, constantly evaluating situations in real-time. His inner thoughts reveal a man deeply concerned about the state of this new world he finds himself in, questioning if the freedom attained through military might and constant monitoring can truly be considered freedom. Steve listens to Qasim and acknowledges his sage advice that “while violence may offer an illusion of victory, democracy is a long and winding journey.
The essence of Steve’s power lies in his humility, compassion, and introspective nature. This enables him to approach situations with thoughtfulness, not merely as a robot obeying commands, but as a leader who values reducing casualties and fostering authentic, enduring peace, rather than mere ceasefires. The goodness deep within him, his pure spirit, is something that no serum or training can mimic; it’s an integral part of Steve Rogers’ personality that Dr. Erskine recognized as the crucial factor in creating the ideal Super-Soldier.
The Man Out of Time Holds a Mirror to the Present
In Zdarsky’s Captain America, Steve Rogers, often referred to as “the out-of-time man,” serves an essential role. He functions as a moral compass, reflecting the challenging realities of modern geopolitics, especially regarding military interventions and the destabilization of foreign governments. Unlike Colton, who embodies the contemporary soldier, potentially numb to the long-term repercussions of war and viewing conflict zones like the Middle East as mere tactical points on a global map, Steve focuses on the human toll. He questions the excessive number of military bases globally and the widespread surveillance, understanding that a world adorned with military might means constant observation, which contrasts with the America he fought for and believed he died for. His internal turmoil – “We won. What I did mattered. Yet why do Colton’s words echo in my mind? Is this what freedom has become now?” – demonstrates that Steve instinctively knows there’s something wrong with the military establishment as a whole, and he refuses to be just another pawn on the global chessboard.
In my critique as a moviegoer, I must commend Steve’s calculated strategy in his encounter with what he believed was Doctor Doom. Unlike some who might have recklessly charged head-on, Steve opted for a tactical approach. His goal was not to instigate chaos but to disarm Doom’s armor using Reed Richards’ device, a move that showcased a strategic mindset geared towards efficient threat neutralization with minimal damage to the surrounding area.
Interestingly, it was later revealed that this Doom was merely a Doombot. However, Steve’s composed and thoughtful response, driven by his protective instincts, starkly contrasted the “reckless and impulsive” persona attributed to Americans (apparently a subtle jab at Colton’s aggressive actions).
Dr. Erskine’s hypothesis that the Super-Soldier serum would intensify a man’s inherent traits – transforming a decent man into an extraordinary one, while making a selfish man more reckless – is validated through Steve. His flaw, however, is his unwavering commitment to his principles, which hinders him from serving as a mere tool of the government. This steadfast moral compass, this pure spirit, is what defines Steve as Captain America, and it continues to make Dr. Erskine’s vision timelessly significant.
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2025-08-11 16:15